The Washington Commanders [2-4] will have a new quarterback on the field for their Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers [3-3]. Taylor Heinicke replaces Carson Wentz under center after the latter fractured the ring finger on his throwing hand last week and will miss at least the next four weeks.
Heinicke isn’t exactly a new face for Washington. He started 15 games for Washington last season, going 7-8 as a starter. He had some terrific moments as the starting quarterback, but he also faced his share of struggles. Sounds a lot like Wentz in 2022, right?
Can Heinicke’s mobility and mastery of the offense give the Commanders some much-needed energy on offense against the Packers? Green Bay has a terrific pass defense but has struggled against the run. For the Commanders to upset Green Bay, they’ll need a strong effort from the backfield trio of Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic.
Defeating Green Bay is never easy. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is one of the greatest of all time. However, the Packers have struggled on offense recently, leading some to believe Washington can take down Green Bay.
What do the experts think?
According to NFL Pickwatch, a whopping 96% of the expert pickers go with the Packers. This is a bit surprising. Sure, the Commanders have struggled and are a popular punching bag in the media, but this Green Bay team shouldn’t be an overwhelming favorite over anyone right now. Sure, things could change, but it feels like a game where more people would go with the upset.
Only Tampa Bay over Carolina is a more overwhelming favorite for Week 7.
